What is Intelligent Automation?

[Intelligent automation consists of three cognitive technologies. The integration of these components creates a solution that powers business and technology transformation. Learn More from Salvagnini America]

No matter the vertical or scale of your business, you want to ensure that you carry out your operations in a leaner and more efficient way. In today's hyper-competitive global economy, every successful organization needs to learn the art of gaining more value from less as the key to unlocking innovation, increasing agility, improving customer experience, and boosting productivity.

Many businesses are turning to automation to cut the resources spent on certain tasks and processes while improving productivity. Today's automation is not just about low-level applications but has also evolved to assist businesses in high-level strategic planning. Intelligent automation helps businesses achieve greater levels of excellence by improving decision-making, speed-to-market, customer experiences, and employee capabilities. 

What is Intelligent Automation (IA)?

Intelligent automation relies on the application of enhanced technology tools like Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Process Automation to develop smart end-to-end business processes and workflows that think, learn and adapt on the go to reduce human effort and increase efficiency. IA can be as simple as intelligent chatbots or as advanced as spinning up or down cloud-based and virtual machines based on dynamic, real-time demand. 

Intelligent automation is also referred to as cognitive automation. It is not a stand-alone solution but a collection of multiple cutting-edge technologies that operate in tandem to realize the desired business outcomes. 

The 3 Components of Intelligent Automation

As mentioned, Intelligent Automation integrates multiple technologies to create a business and technology transformation solution. However, at its core are three cognitive technologies that enable it to automate larger decision-based work processes that previously required human intervention. They include:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence simulates human intelligence, enabling automated processes to make better-informed decisions and analyses. AI can analyze data much faster than we do and learn from past decisions. It uses Machine Learning (ML) and sophisticated algorithms to analyze structured and unstructured data.

Business Process Management (BPM)

The second significant component of IA is BPM, also known as business process automation. It helps automate production by providing more flexibility and consistency in your manufacturing processes. The goal is to reduce the time spent on non-value-adding activities and improve the accuracy and efficiency of essential processes. 

A report estimated that inefficiencies cost businesses 20-30% of their annual revenue. BPM supports the integration of human and machine tasks leading to improved efficiency, transparency, and consistency in your processes.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

In the analogy of human anatomy, if AI is the mind of IA, then RPA is the body. While AI primarily focuses on cognitive processes, RPA automates repetitive, rule-based tasks. It relies on software robots or bots to run background tasks that complement artificial intelligence. RPA frees up your workers from having to deal with tasks that require little to no human-level intelligence. 

Benefits of Intelligent Automation

• Reduced operational costs: Since tasks are automated and optimized, organizations can save on costs associated with unnecessary processes.
• Improved productivity: The technology streamlines operations and processes for faster outcomes and enables organizations to do more with less for maximum value.
• Saves time: Automating your organization's processes reduces the time spent on manual and unnecessary tasks, which improves productivity. Therefore you can achieve more with less time.
• Enhances accuracy: Through consistent processes and approaches, IA can reduce errors associated with manual processes, often vulnerable to several factors.
• Improves customer experience: By relying on IA, you are to improve speed to market and, at the same time, improve your products and services, leading to higher customer satisfaction which translates to hire retention rates and business growth.
• Supports rapid scalability: Intelligent automation solutions are highly flexible and can easily be scaled up or down per your needs.
• Provides greater insights into your processes: IA provides data around every step, which helps you manage processes more efficiently. This makes it easy to identify bottlenecks and adjust processes accordingly.
  

Applications of Intelligent Automation 

There are multiple use cases for intelligent automation across all industries. As a machining manufacturer, Salvagnini finds that applying IA in the following functions can maximize the productivity potential of Salvagnini systems.

• Predictive maintenance
• Supply chain management
• Material Handling
• KIT Production
• Reduced WIP (work in process)
• Reduced Scrap
• Labor Shortage
  

Getting Started With Intelligent Automation - Contact Salvagnini America

Did you know that even an industry as diverse and complex as metal fabrication can significantly benefit from intelligent automation? It is often assumed that automation seeks to replace humans in the workforce. While it truly reduces the need for human involvement, it also creates new opportunities to drive revenue growth. To learn more about how to integrate your Salvagnini systems with IA solutions for better business outcomes, contact us today.

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